But two years ago, when the Caxys were preparing for a road game against the Soo Indians of Michigan, Madeley met with his friend and then-Erie Otters owner Sherry Bassin. The Otters, a major junior hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, were seeking talented players.

"I said, 'I don't really need to tell you, but you will tell me at the end of the game after you see this one player,' " Madeley recalled, " 'and then you will want to talk to me.' "

At the time, forward Alex DeBrincat was in the midst of his first — and only — season at Lake Forest Academy.

In the next two seasons, DeBrincat scored 102 goals and tallied 103 assists for the Otters. Particularly impressive were his back-to-back 51-goal campaigns.

DeBrincat attended the draft and called his selection by the Blackhawks, winners of three Stanley Cups in the last seven seasons, a dream come true.

Scott Wallem / HANDOUT

Former Lake Forest Academy hockey player Alex DeBrincat, left. was drafted by the Blackhawks after two stellar seasons with the OHL's Erie Otters.

Former Lake Forest Academy hockey player Alex DeBrincat, left. was drafted by the Blackhawks after two stellar seasons with the OHL's Erie Otters. (Scott Wallem / HANDOUT)

"It's a huge honor," the 5-foot-7, 165-pound DeBrincat said. "I was so happy they picked me. To be in that type of organization, they are first-class and they like small players. For them to give me a chance, I'm really appreciative.

"My expectations with the draft were to go with an open mind. I didn't know if I was going to go first or second round. It was kind of a relief when I found out it was the Blackhawks. That first night was memorable and long."

DeBrincat is considered an undersized player, but his ability to score, plus his toughness, attracted the interest of the Blackhawks.

"I think his biggest strength is his smarts," Erie Otters coach Kris Knoblauch said. "Some NHL teams focus on size and speed, but I think Alex's biggest strength is he can outsmart you. He's had two incredible years at Erie. I don't think he gets enough recognition for how good he is."

DeBrincat is also a player not afraid of taking a risk or moving around. After attending Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Mich., for one season, DeBrincat transferred to Lake Forest Academy. His older brother, Andrew, played hockey for the Caxys for two seasons and graduated in 2012.

"Since my brother went there and we knew the coach pretty well, it was a good fit for me at the time," DeBrincat said. "It was a great experience."

Madeley, himself a former NHL goalie who played parts of three seasons with the Ottawa Senators, has a long-standing relationship with DeBrincat's family. He understands the questions regarding the forward's small stature, but predicts success at the professional level, even comparing him to former Blackhawk and current Montreal Canadians forward Andrew Shaw due to his toughness.

"All the people who keep doubting him (because of) his size, he keeps proving them wrong," he said. "It wouldn't surprise me if in two or three years, he had a regular shift with the Hawks because he has God-given skills and the heart of a 6-foot-8 kid. He's a great kid that the Hawks stole. If he was four inches taller, he's a top-five pick."

DeBrincat, 18, is ready to embark on the next stage of his hockey career. He understands the challenges but is excited about the journey.

"It's a real exciting part of my life," he said. "To be drafted is one step of the way, and I have a lot of work to do to see if I can make it to the NHL."